Royal queensland yacht squadron

Manly, Queensland, Australia

The Squadron's history dates back to 1885 when it was founded as the Brisbane Sailing Club (later to be known as the Queensland Yachting Club) situated at Hamilton on the Brisbane River.
In the early 1900's His Majesty King Edward VII bestowed the title of Royal on the Club and in 1961 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II approved a name change to the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron.

The Squadron opened its premises at Manly, on the shores of beautiful Moreton Bay, in September 1964 and has continued to develop and improve its facilities to what is now regarded as one of the premier yacht clubs in Australia catering for sailing, cruising and navigation enthusiasts as well as a myriad of social activities. The development of this facility is still continuing.

With representation at every Olympic Games since 1956 the Squadron very actively promotes sailing as a sport and with the development of a sailing academy in 1991, we have been able to foster the advancement of members who aspire to these levels. We have three Olympic champions within our membership, two of which are the current International 470 Class Olympic Champions. A number of our young sailors are now striving towards Olympic selection for the 2016 Rio games competing in championships across Europe and the United States.

Fondly known as ‘Regatta City’ following the many very successful regattas hosted by the Squadron over the years, which include a number of world championships and many national and state titles, our race management team is regarded as one of the best in Australia. This team is ably supported by a vast network of volunteers who simply love helping our visitors enjoy their sailing and making them welcome at RQ.

Ocean racing is also a part of the Squadron’s program with an annual race from Brisbane to Great Keppel Island, a 340 nautical mile event attracting 30-40 competitors each year. This is the Squadron’s signature event and will this year, 2014, include a multihull division. Our cruisers and power boaters also enjoy the event with a ‘rally’, coordinating their arrival at Great Keppel Island to welcome the racing fleet. Races to Gizo in the Solomon Islands and Noumea have also been part of our ocean racing history.

The Squadron’s boating facilities at Manly include in excess of 570 marina berths, 160 trailer boat parking spaces, repair and maintenance hardstand, boat retrieval facilities, dinghy storage and launching ramps. Our vast rigging lawns are the envy of many. Members can also enjoy our 'down the bay' facility at Canaipa on Russell Island which provides a very relaxed atmosphere and the chance to escape the city.

Clubhouse facilities include a multi-function room for private functions (weddings, seminars, parties etc.), a boardroom, and a restaurant and bar overlooking Manly Harbour. We are open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner and offer breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings.